Shimla, August 22: The delay in finalising the dates for the Under-14 sports tournaments in Mashobra education block has left organisers and participating schools uncertain about their preparations.
Government Senior Secondary School, Peeran, has been selected as the venue for the tournaments, but the Education Department is yet to issue an official notification regarding the schedule. According to departmental sources, block-level sports competitions in Shimla district are proposed to be held from August 27 to 30.
The uncertainty has been further compounded by the upcoming census duties of teachers. Physical education teachers and other teaching staff are expected to be assigned census-related duties from September 1. If the tournaments are scheduled in September, organisers may face difficulties in arranging adequate staff.
Sources said most teachers are likely to remain engaged in census duty from September 1 to October 5, making it challenging to conduct sports events during this period.
Despite a meeting of the Himachal Pradesh School Sports Association on August 11, dates for the state’s sports competitions have reportedly not yet been finalised. While venues for Under-14 and Under-19 competitions at the block and district levels have been identified, the absence of official orders on the schedule has left school member secretaries and organisers in a state of uncertainty.
Himachal Kisan Sabha state president Dr Kuldeep Tanwar expressed concern over the situation, stating that organising sports tournaments during the census exercise could create difficulties for both students and organisers.
He suggested that, as per the earlier system, block-level sports competitions should be held in May or June, while district-level tournaments should take place in October, allowing students sufficient time to focus on their studies.
Dr Tanwar urged the Education Minister to intervene and ensure that the dates for the competitions are announced at the earliest, keeping the interests of students in mind.
